Calls for more space for us to grow our own fruit and veg

Ask someone if they'd like to grow their own fruit and veg and chances are that you'll get a positive response. Statistics certainly support this. A survey in May of just over 2,000 adults showed that half of those questioned would contemplate growing their own fruit, veg and herbs if prices in the shops were to rise further. But are we actually getting out there with our spade and packet of seeds? Perhaps not as many of us, but still a significant number. The same survey showed that a sixth of adults in the survey had already started growing their own in the last four years. The study sampled only those living in London; apparently when the results were adjusted for the British population as a whole, a third of us are taking a leaf out of Tom and Barbara's book. However, that's still a short fall between those who would like to "grow their own" and those who actually do.

Not everyone has the benefit of a garden and the demand for allotments has never been as high. A survey conducted last year for allotment waiting lists in England showed that two thirds of councils have waiting lists and on average for every 100 plots there are, there are 57 people waiting. It certainly indicates that more allotments or an alternative space in the community where people can grow their own produce is needed.

MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee have advised that new national guidelines need to be developed to allow local communities to have land on which they can grow their own food. This comes at the same time as a petition has been taken to Members of the Scottish Parliament requesting that unused and derelict land to be provided for food to be grown by local people.

Not only can growing fruit and veg in the community help people to improve the quality of their diets, but it carries a number of other benefits. It provides an activity, which is not just a hobby, but is particularly beneficial for people who are out of work or might have limited opportunities available to them. It provides a community space, is a good way for people to get to know others in their local area, people who might otherwise not have met, and can help to foster a community spirit. Eating food grown close to home also helps to reduce food miles.

Lots of good reasons for more space to be devoted for us to "grow our own". Perhaps there might be some more letters winging their way to our MPs?

Image by Andy